Dust is yet to settle on the maiden edition of the Cam Movies Merit Awards (CMMA), held in Buea recently. If there is one thing that gave the event the grandeur it deserved, it was the presence of the movie stars, amongst them, the laureates. Guests to the recognition ceremony expressed excitement for seeing (some for the first time) and meeting the screen stars. “You can’t imagine how glad I am seeing Epule Jeffery for the first time. I’ve been watching his performance and must say I adore him,” a fan disclosed to TIPTOPSTARS. The excited fan of Jeff (as the artist who won the best actor in lead role is fondly called) was speaking to us shortly after we met the laureate to get his impressions on the recognition. Amongst other things, Jeff told us he owed his success to his fans. “Without them, I’d be a nobody,” he said. He spoke with Carista Asonganyi. More excerpts!

Carista Asonganyi (CA): What are your initial feelings after being declared best actor by Cam Movies Merit Award?
Jeffery Epule (JE): It’s a good feeling. I feel like I’m being appreciated for work well done. I think actors and actresses have been given their due respect.

CA: Were you expecting this victory?
JE: Actually, I know I have been good. Judging from my performances, I expected to be amongst the first three, but winning per se, I kept my fingers crossed.

CA: What do you think charmed the jury about you?
JE: I’m always giving my best. I guess they liked it a lot.

CA: To whom do you dedicate this prize?  
JE: This award is dedicated to my late brother who passed away a week ago. He was the source of my inspiration. He deserves more.

CA: What does this award mean to you?    
JE: This award is a motivation to work harder. It’s indeed a cause for me and other colleagues to be more serious at what we do.

CA: What would you tell the organizers?
JE: I’m thanking Cam Movies and ATS Productions for this wonderful opportunity they have given actors and actresses to be awarded for work well done. They are making us proud indeed.

CA: Which is your most memorable movie?
JE: My inheritance.

CA: Who is you role model?
JE: My dad.

CA: It was nice talking to you.
JE: The pleasure was equally mine. Thanks to TIPTOPSTARS, you guys are doing a great job.